Independent research opportunity -- The next deadline for applications to the Honors Program in Humanistic Studies is Friday, Sept. 25. Application forms and information are available at the Humanities Center Office, 113 Gilman. In addition, an informational meeting will be held today at 5:30 p.m. in 111 Gilman.

The Honors Program in Humanistic Studies offers well-qualified, highly motivated undergraduates with an interest in the humanities the opportunity to do independent, interdisciplinary research during their junior and/or senior years. Students who complete the program and whose final essays are accepted by the Honors Board are awarded honors at graduation. Students who enroll in the program in their junior year may also apply, at the beginning of their senior year, to the concurrent B.A./M.A. program.

For more information, write to Jana Polakova c/o the Humanities Center or e-mail jp3@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu.

AIDS workshop -- "Walk in My Moccasins," a one-day workshop on the relevance of cultural awareness to HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and intervention, is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Frederick County Health Department Auditorium. Monica Schoch-Spana, of the Department of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins, will be the guest speaker.

For registration information, call Chris Camp, Center for Education and Training, AIDS Administration, 410-767-5440.

Choral Society reception -- The JHMI Choral Society is looking for individuals interested in displaying their vocal abilities. Join members of the Choral Society on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5:15 p.m. in Hurd Hall at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a welcoming reception and rehearsal. The only prerequisite is to enjoy singing; auditions are not required. For more information, call the Office of Cultural Affairs at 410-955-3363.

Help the House of Ruth -- Volunteers are needed to assist with the "Help the House" Campaign against Domestic Violence. The Johns Hopkins Women's Forum is participating in this campaign to collect new kitchen, bathroom and personal care items for residents of the House of Ruth's new shelter. For locations around the campus, visit the "Help the House" Web site http://www.jhu.edu/~wforum/JHMI/.

The Women's Forum plans to increase awareness of this initiative with a guest speaker at noon on Thursday, Sept. 17, in 145 Meyer. Gwen Travis, a representative from the House of Ruth, will explain the shelter and its mission.

A Jones Falls Celebration -- Residents of the Greater Homewood community can learn about and enjoy the beauty of the Jones Falls watershed on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20. Events include walks and talks about the area, rock climbing led by Outward Bound, two concerts, canoeing and kayaking, and activities for children at the Greenmount School. The Jones Falls Expressway will be closed to traffic on Sunday morning for bicycling. All events are free.

For more information, call 410-889-8911.

Oncology Center volunteers -- Volunteer opportunities are available at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center for individuals willing to engage and support cancer patients and their families.

For more information, contact the Oncology Center Volunteer Services Office at 410-614-4670.